The intercept of a line is divided into the horizontal intercept and the vertical intercept. The horizontal intercept is the horizontal coordinate of the intersection of the line and the X-axis, and the vertical intercept is the vertical coordinate of the intersection of the line and the Y-axis. To find the horizontal intercept, just set Y=0 and find X. To find the vertical intercept, set X=0 and find Y. For example, if y=x-1, the horizontal intercept is 1 and the vertical intercept is -1.

Example: Draw a straight line in a rectangular coordinate system

4x+5y-20=0

Solution First calculate the x- and y-intercepts.

Let y=0, then 4x-20=0, x=5;

That is, the x-intercept is 5 and the intercept point is A(5,0).

Let x=0, then 5y-20=0, y=4;

That is, the intercept on the y-axis is 4 and the intercept point is B (0,4)